MPAC’s Hajj 2026 Travel Resource Guide
Summary
On May 14, 2026, the Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC) hosted a webinar for the American Muslim community to discuss U.S. Government resources for individuals traveling to Saudi Arabia from the United States. The U.S. Department of State discussed requirements and tips while in Saudi Arabia. MPAC shared information provided by U.S. Customs and Border Protection pertinent to departing from and returning to the United States. This document includes all of the resources discussed.
Presenters
Sameer Hossain, Managing Director, Muslim Public Affairs Council
Sadia Niazi, Consular Chief, U.S. Consulate Jeddah, U.S. Department of State
Resources
U.S. Department of State:
Hajj and Umrah Pilgrimage Travelers: Latest information from the U.S. Department of State on resources provided to travelers from the United States, including services and contact information. Also contains information related to Government of Saudi Arabia requirements for Hajj travelers.
Please keep the following contact information on hand in case you need to contact the U.S. Consulate General’s American Citizen Services (i.e., lost U.S. passport, arrest or death of an American citizen abroad): Phone: +966-12-220-5000E-mail: [email protected]
Saudi Arabia Travel Advisory: Latest information from the U.S. Department of State on traveling to Saudi Arabia, including with respect to current events in the region that may affect travelers.
STEP - Smart Traveler Enrollment Program: An optional resource - registering with this U.S. Department of State service will enable travelers to receive latest safety and security information via e-mail while you are traveling.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection:
CBP Offers Helpful Travel Tips Ahead of Hajj Travel: General guidance for Hajj travelers when they are departing and returning to the United States. Includes requirements related to declaring currency and agricultural products.
Money and Other Monetary Instruments | U.S. Customs and Border Protection: Explains how to declare currency in advance, which can help speed up this process during travel.
Any currency above $10,000.00 U.S. Dollars must be declared when departing from the United States and when you return to the United States. When families or groups are involved, the $10,000 threshold applies to the total amount they are carrying or sending collectively, not per individual.
The Government of Saudi Arabia has its own requirements, including with respect to currency: “Currency (both local and foreign), negotiable instruments (cheques, bonds or any other payments methods) or precious metals exceeding SR60,000 or the equivalent in foreign currency must be declared.” https://www.visahq.com/saudi-arabia/customs/
Prohibited and Restricted Items | U.S. Customs and Border Protection: A full list of prohibited and restricted items when returning to the United States. See Questions and Answers section below for information about bringing back dates, figs, and zamzam water.
Mobile Passport Control (MPC) | U.S. Customs and Border Protection: An official U.S. Government mobile app that can help speed up your customs and immigration process, where available.
Global Entry | U.S. Customs and Border Protection: Information about the program and how to apply.
Questions and Answers
Question: Can I bring back dates or figs into the United States?
Answer: Travelers entering the United States must declare all agricultural or wildlife products to U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials. Dates and figs are generally allowed, but you must declare and present them to U.S. Customs and Border Protection for inspection. More info: International Traveler: Fruits and Vegetables
Question: Can I bring back zamzam water into the United States?
Answer: Yes. When returning to the United States, please follow guidance from your airlines about checking it in and required packaging to do so.
Questions submitted by MPAC to U.S. Customs and Border Protection in advance of the briefing, with official responses:
Question: Will I be required to unlock and submit my cell phone to CBP in order to re-enter?
U.S. Customs and Border Protection: “All persons arriving at a port-of-entry to the United States are subject to inspection by CBP officers. Although rare, this can include searching a traveler’s mobile phone, computer, camera, or other electronic devices during the inspection process.”
Question: If I have a Green Card, do I have to do anything special to ensure a smooth re-entry?
U.S. Customs and Border Protection: “Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs) need only present their Green Card (Form I-551), or advance parole (Form I-512) if your Form I-551 is pending. If the green card is expired, LPRs may present the expired card and receipt notice as evidence of continued status.”
Point of Contact:
For any questions about this webinar or the resources shared in this document, please contact: Sameer Hossain, [email protected]
